Sudan must restore Internet access immediately

New York, September 25, 2013--The Committee to Protect Journalists
is alarmed by reports that Internet service in Sudan was shut down today in
what seemed like an official attempt to stifle coverage of violent protests
after the government lifted fuel subsidies on Monday.

"There is no justification for any government to cut off the
Internet's vital flow of information, which journalists and citizens alike rely
upon," said CPJ Middle East and North Africa Program Coordinator Sherif
Mansour. "The Sudanese government must immediately act to restore the country's
connection to the Internet and allow journalists to report on the latest
developments without harassment."

The
Washington Post reported that this was the second
time in four months that Internet access was restricted during
anti-government protests, citing the Internet intelligence corporation Renesys.
Sudatel, an Internet service provider in Sudan, was disconnected for eight
hours in June.